"The Inspiration"…read more Curating their inventory to fit the local need. Family owned and operated. Cozy and welcoming, it's a place with unique offerings. They lock into the local community to make the whole town feel complete. It's a special, one-of-a-kind place. These are the mom 'n pop stores I grew up with on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Some are still around. Mom 'n pop stores, the inspiration behind Kalepa's Store at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Ko Olina-O'ahu. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "My Storytelling" It's the weekend and my parents are taking my siblings and I to a kiosk in Kaiko'o Mall. To enjoy Icee from Kaiko'o Seeds N'things, as we choose bags of cracked seed from this mom 'n pop store. Household appliances weren't purchased from corporate retailers like today. My family and most of East Hawai'i years+ ago were loyal to mom 'n pop stores like Modern Appliance. Next door, Kay's Lunch Center had the most delicious Korean fried chicken made by "mom", and slices of homemade cream pies by "pop". ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Kai Store since 1948, Chika Nakano since 1975, Optical Dispensers, Hilo Siam Thai Restaurant (see my Yelp review), and Leung's Chop Suey House since 1975. Doris Place since 1948 on the west side and Hirano Store since 1969 in Mountain View. These are some of the mom 'n pop stores currently still in-business on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Since my childhood. And of course, the Hasegawa General Store since 1910, still serving the local community in Hana-Maui. Featured in the Disney animated film, Lilo & Stitch. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Disney Storytelling" A story is shared with intricate details. Culturally significant, extremely immersive. The Disney way - through storytelling. The culture of the Hawaiian people is displayed in the most creative way by Disney Imagineers. Unlike any resort in Hawai'i. Unique architecture and design, awe-inspiring artwork and murals throughout. Multi-sensory excellence at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Home to Kalepa's Store. The only place to purchase official Disney merchandise and exclusive Aulani items in Hawai'i. (Visit my Yelp review of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.) ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Elevated Perspective" Joyful suspension, relaxed excitement. A rental car made the drive possible from Waikīkī on my first visit. Fourteen months later, a last minute window of opportunity became available for another visit to Kalepa's Store. I've learned to look upwards for hidden high level details and architectural Disney magic. As I entered Kalepa's Store, I found the most meaningful key designing element. Framed photos of actual mom 'n pop stores in Hawai'i. Some are now closed, others are currently still in business. It brought personality, warmth, meaning and an authentic deep connection to the rich history of my home-state. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Retail exclusivity is why I'm here. Unique Aulani logo items, clothing and accessories that cannot be found inside the Disney theme parks and online. Bags of Disney Parks Main Street Popcorn like those found at Disneyland are found along with my favorite, Gummi Disney Character Bites. Guest service excellence at Kalepa's Store. Individual attention, personalized conversations, strong engagement from the cast members. We laughed and reminisced about our past trips to Disneyland, Disney vloggers we watch. Photo ops were taken, care was extended. I felt valued. That the drive from Waikīkī was worth every minute, that my choice to be here as a local Hawai'i resident was appreciated. I'm departing Kalepa's Store, Aulani logo shopping bags in both hands with orange tissue paper puffs. All smiles, I'm content. Parking validation is extended since my purchase reached a certain dollar amount. It's now time to enjoy the resort property for just a while longer... ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Future Inspired" Mom 'n pop stores. Independent, family-owned, a unique role in the local community. But they struggle to compete with larger corporations, big box retailers and e-commerce platforms who have buying power. My visit to Kalepa's Store at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa opened my eyes. It made me realize my unique role in my local community, how important my choices are. Where I shop, where I dine, where I choose to take my business as a consumer. It matters to help keep money circulating nearby for the vitality of mom 'n pop stores and small businesses in my community, on my home-island. In Hawai'i. Even though I'm employed by a corporation, I've recently decided on making small, gradual changes in some of my habitual spending. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Be Inspired" I implore you to do the same while you visit, shop, casually meander and enjoy the most unique resort property in Hawai'i. Like I did. Stay for hours, return for a second time, or become an overnight guest. Immerse yourself in the details. Embrace the magic of Disney and the rich history of Hawai'i at Kalepa's Store. Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Become inspired.

This store is always busy no matter what time it is. People come here to pick up their Disney…read moremerchandise. I love to check out the different designs of their bags. I've bought a few over the years. I didn't see anything that I liked this time around. They did have those popular Disney x Aloha print bags near the entrance. People were buying everything in the store. They were standing in line holding clothes, mugs, toys, headbands with the ears and snacks. I really liked the Disney ears, but they were $40 something each or $30 each when you buy 3. I decided not to get them, even though they were so cute.

I loved all the jellycats, so fun and a nice little shop, had friendly service I loved it 10/10read more

This is such a cute store. If you like little trinkets, this is the place for you. They are located…read morein Kaimuki, right by the Koa Pancake House. You can stop by after having your breakfast. They have everything in there from chips, tea, stationary, toys, cards, etc. They have too many items for me to list them all. Drop by and have a look. It's a great place to pick up gifts.

From time to time I'll stop in to see what new items or special bargins Hawaii Gifts may have. Let…read moreme say I'll always find something. If you're a resident of Hawaii or a visitor, Hawaii Gifts may have something perfect for yourself or gift giving souvenirs. Hawaii Gifts is warehouse store with merchandise and discounted prices. Where you'll find post cards, children's puzzles & books, home decor and essential and more. If you're in the area stop by and if not make the drive. Take Exit 7 to Mililani Tech park. You'll be happy that you stopped by. Hungry??? Well... After shopping you can help support local food truck businesses. You'll find these food trucks parked on the side street of Hawaii Gifts Warehouse, and opens at 10am. Happy Shopping & Eating!

Totally legit gift store and super fun for treasure hunting. A great place to shop if you need to…read morebring some souvenirs to your friends when visiting off island. There are also a bunch of household items, skincare products, misc items you'll find in drugstores that are sold here at a discounted price! It's a warehouse that's distributing items to abc stores, hardware stores and other retail on the island. And it's so nice for them to open to the public so we can directly buy from the warehouse! No public bathroom so make sure you go first lol. Great place for gem hunting. Happy shopping!

Shane was extremely pleasant and helpful with a lot of ALOHA humor. He kindly brought down several…read moretiki masks to look at in hand. He said his family has run this shop for 40 years now. Service was excellent.

DA place to go for gifts. last time there it was just after the two kona low storms, had to stop by…read moreto see that the family and shop was all good. I always find what I'm looking there.

My wife had asked me to get her some perfume that originally we had purchased in Maui and she asked…read moreme to see if there's any perfume anywhere on Oahu. So we googled it and found that there's a gift shop that has it. I decided I was gonna call before I left because it is pretty far away from where I'm staying and the gentleman that answered the phone was super kind and confirmed that they did have it and he was willing to stay open later just to give me some time to get there. Sure enough when I arrived. This guy was absolutely the kindest person with a shop. That was absolutely amazing and I wish I had more time I would've shopped for my family, but unfortunately, I didn't have much time. He definitely has an amazing talent because most of the things inside his shop are created by himself. He saved me the perfume and not only that he actually told me where I can go eat around there. That's really good food. The value of this place you're not gonna find any better. Overall, I gotta tell you this is probably my six years of coming to the Hawaiian islands in a row by far. This is the best gift shop I've ever been to.

My Sister and I walked in and were immediately gifted with these nice shell necklaces and the lady…read morethat works there was so nice. Customer Service is def top notch. They also had a large variety and section's to look at. I would recommend to anybody!

2 sales ladies at the counter. They pretty much just stare at you from the back of the shop…read more One possibly had a strong accent or not fluent command of English to answer my question. The Labubu outfits they carried seemed a bit pricey to me up to $49.99. They do have a variety of items little girls or those young at heart might want to purchase.

So glad I seen Kawaii Corner's ad on another social media platform, Monchichi is so old school &…read morebrings alot of happy memories for me. Awesome to finally find it here at Kawaii Corner, bought the cute girl Monchichi with a red ribbon on her hair. Cost? $49.99 but what the heck...It's a hard to find item and cheaper then flying to Japan to get it.! Great customer service, love this store. Pearlridge Shopping Center close to Macy's.

Shopping in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. My friend, Cece, from Northern California, sent me a post about the new Hello Kitty print which was arriving in July 3, 2026. I didn't think anything until she explained that the fresh, green, exclusive design is only available in a backpack, laptop sleeve, pencil case, and lunch bag... plus, it will only be shipped to Hawaii addresses with a minimum purchase of $200 to avoid shipping charges. Uhg... I pondered about what to get. Cece said the pencil case ($32) was on the small side. She went to the store and snapped a few photos with her hand for size comparison. Hmm... I decided on the lunch bag because it included a crossbody strap as well as a handle on the top. Cece stood in line for me and said that the salespeople were super kind and organized. She was first in line and got my bag for me. Later, I went when there was no line. The cozy shop was clean and bright and stocked well! Cashiers were smiling and helpful! I'm so happy with this quality, exclusive product! Thank you, Cece, for helping me with this decision!

This is one of my favorite stores in Waikīkī!!!! They also have one at Alamoana Mall. But I like…read moregoing here because when I stay in town it's near Dukes restaurant. This place carries ALOT of selections, great sales and the ladies are all so friendly. I always make a point to stop there and get something. Even though I have a TON of these...there's always a new pattern I don't have I'm obsessed with Aloha Collection. If you're an expecting mom, get their diaper bag!!! I got one for my daughter and it's a HIT!